What are your favorite holiday books? We have a tradition of adding a new Christmas book to our collection each year. I love this tradition because it’s easy, it’s something the whole family can enjoy (and can continue to enjoy for many years), and it’s typically under $20 to get a new book, so it’s a tradition that doesn’t break the bank.

Ben Blair found this year’s pick and it’s a good one! It’s called The Christmas Wish, and it had us reminiscing about our trips to Sweden and Norway. We’re not the only ones who like it, apparently it’s a New York Times Best Seller. And it’s no surprise. It just oozes Christmas and wintertime — her clothes, the polar bear and reindeer she meets — every little detail is delightful.

Looking for more holiday books? I’ve shared tons of great picks over the years — click through for a full list. For those who don’t celebrate Christmas, my apologies in advance, because my list is very-much Christmas focused. But obviously, there are lots of other winter holidays, so if you have favorite non-Christmas holiday titles to share, please do!

Kristina

My favorite as a kid was Silverspurs, which I can see is out of print. It’s the story of Santa’s smallest elf — so small that he sleeps in Santa’s beard! — who unlocks the doors and lets Santa in to apartments and all the houses without chimneys, so every child receives a present.

mom in mendon

Rebecca

Hi Gabby- I really love your Christmas book lists! But I have to add my most favourite book ever- “Christmas on Exeter Street” by Diana Hendry. It seems to have come back into print again so its much easier to get. I think you would love it- a house slowly fills up with guests- expected and unexpected. There is room for everyone- waifs and strays included- which is the Christmas message of course! Some big sadnesses are there of course, (where is the children’s father? Lily and Lilylou have nowhere to live) but the overall love of the big house with room for all is evident. And Father Christmas has to take off his socks to count all the children in the house! I think your big family would love it too Gabby…
Thanks for you yearly list

Amy D

Jolene

I appreciate your book recommendations! One of our favourite winter (not Christmas related) books is Over and Under The Snow by Kate Messner. It’s beautifully illustrated and shows animals hibernating under the snow, while a girl and her Dad cross-country ski above the snow.

I just saw the post and I have the very best Christmas book suggestion for next year….it is called SilverPackages, An Appalachian Christmas Story. I read it each each year to my pre-k class when all my parents are there and cry, cry, cry. I too love the Polar Express book but not so much the movie. We have a small celebration in our class, a hot chocolate bar, one small cookie, and I read aloud the Polar Express. We give each child a silver bell and a home made gift. This year I made each child a clipboard from a large vintage Golden Book with colorful duck tape around the edges and a bulldog clip. The kids loved them and I hope it encourages them writing. I always read to see what your children have made for their gifts and love how they make them. The best gifts are handmade!
Happy New Year!